Why Seek Designation?

Mothers who give birth at Baby-Friendly hospitals and birthing centers
are more likely to initiate exclusive breastfeeding and more likely to
sustain breastfeeding at six months and one year of age, perhaps because
of the institutional support for breastfeeding at these facilities.
Adherence to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (i),
is associated with increased rates of breastfeeding around the world.
In the United States, new mothers exposed to at least six of the Ten
Steps were 13 times more likely to continue breastfeeding at 6 weeks
postpartum when compared to mothers who had not been exposed to any of
the Ten Steps during their birthing hospitalization (ii).
Additionally, adherence to the Ten Steps decreases racial, ethnic, and
socio-cultural disparities in breastfeeding rates in U.S. hospitals (iii).

Because the process of attaining Baby-Friendly designation
compels facilities to examine, challenge and modify longstanding
policies and procedures, the process also strengthens the organization
by enhancing leadership skills, increasing staff competence, and
improving patient satisfaction. Although the hospital is not, and should
not be, the only place a mother receives support for breastfeeding,
hospitals provide a unique and critical link between the breastfeeding
support provided prior to and after delivery.